New health partnership to progress cancer cure

Capital & Coast and Hutt Valley DHBs’ chair, Dr Virginia Hope

The GMRI has established a new health partnership with the Wairarapa, Hutt Valley, and Capital & Coast DHBs in a move that will translate laboratory research into radically improved treatment of diseases, including cancer.

The DHBs have signed a formal memorandum of understanding with the GMRI to promote close interchange, collaboration and sharing of ideas between leading DHB clinicians and the GMRI’s scientists.

“With persistence and the right environment, more effective treatment of many conditions can be found in the future,” Dr Swee Tan says.

“The agreement signifies that this is a view shared by the GMRI and the DHBs. Our organisations already have much in common. With a closer working relationship we will be able to enhance research and improve educational, business, health and social outcomes.”

Wairarapa and Hutt Valley DHB chief executive, Graham Dyer, is pleased to formalise the relationship the GMRI has had with the DHBs for many years.

“During much of this time, the team was based at Hutt Hospital and various clinical groups have collaborated with the GMRI on many research projects.”

Interim chief executive, Debbie Chin, says Capital & Coast DHB is thrilled to be able to accommodate the Institute in a new purpose-built laboratory next to Wellington Hospital.

“Our close working relationship with our neighbours in the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa already enables us to provide more convenient care for our patients and our aim is to extend these benefits further.”

Capital & Coast and Hutt Valley DHBs’ chair, Dr Virginia Hope, says many highly-regarded international experts and organisations understand the immense potential of the discoveries made by Swee’s team, and their implications for the treatment of cancer.

“This MOU enshrines the collaboration and co-operation that has been a feature of Swee’s and the GMRI’s work,” she said.